Frog Collectibles & Other Such Nonsense: 02/01/2007 - 03/01/2007

Frog Collectibles & Other Such Nonsense

A look at my frog collectibles as I get them and my wacky world in the meantime.

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Frog of the Day


Sprogz - Hop of the World
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The new walker arrived yesterday afternoon and I am mobile again! I've got some errands to run today, most importantly is getting some treats for the Frog Wrangler. She's down to half a box of little snap treats and she's missing her "dogs don't know it's not bacon." Thank goodness I moved to an area where the local municipality owns the utilities. Here in Illinois they just deregulated the electric and people are hopping mad. Many people who used to pay around a hundred for their electric are getting socked with bills as high as five or six hundred! I'd be living with candles if that happened!

This frog collectible is another of the Sprogz that I found while unpacking and sad to say I think it may be the last one. It is called Hop of the World. These cuties were made by Holland Studio but they stopped the Sprogz line this last year. This one dates to 1999 and is number SG09100.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Frog of the Day


MGM - Frogs
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Today I feel like Paul Sheldon who has just had a run in with Annie Wilkes (reference to Stephen King's Misery). My walker broke yesterday and I found out just how tough it was to get around, even from room to room, let alone all the stuff I do with the Frog Wrangler and cooking, etc. The new one will hopefully be here today or tomorrow.

This frog item is a DVD of an MGM movie and is called Frogs. As the tag line says, Today the Pond....Tomorrow the World! The film was made in 1972. I love some of the fun facts about the movie, for example, most of the frogs purchased to make this movie - over 500 Florida frogs and 100 giant South American frogs - escaped during the filming.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Frog of the Day

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear AB, Happy Birthday to you. Hope you have a good one!

Got to watch Amazing Race last night. I'd like to go to a lot of the destinations but not at that pace! I couldn't find anything else on so I switched over to watch some of the Oscars. All in all, it was a very early night going to bed and working on a soduko.

This frog item is a Birthday Card from Ambassador Cards, which is a division of Hallmark. The frog is holding a pin that when you open up the card you find he has popped the balloon. The card opens up and out to about twice it's size and says "Have A Blast." I do not have a date for this item.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Frog of the Day


Radko - Fiorello
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
This morning is a very lazy Sunday morning - other than a cup of cocoa I haven't even had breakfast yet. I've been having a cup of cocoa every morning for about a year now and I was glad to see in Friday's paper that cocoa is good for you - it creates an increased blood flow to the brain. It was nice weather here till yesterday. We had a hail storm and then lots of thunder, but little rain. It turned much colder here so we didn't get the severity of the storms - they went further south. And now they're calling for snow tonight!

This frog collectible is by Christopher Radko and is called Fiorello. It is style number 1011913 and dates to 2006. This is still readily available on the web. Fiorello is definitely ready for spring!

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Frog of the Day

I feel like I'm not awake yet this morning. The Frog Wrangler has to be taken out in the middle of the night and I couldn't get back to sleep afterwards. So today is definitely nap day! I couldn't eat breakfast this morning, I turned on the news and saw all those rats running around that Taco Bell/Kentucky Fried Chicken place in New York City. That was enough to kill the appetite. It makes you wonder what goes on in your local fast food joint, doesn't it.

This frog collectible is from Lenox and is called Kermit's Bouquet of Cheer. The bouquet of flowers could be personalized with a birthstone, so this one has opals for October. The certificate of authenticity is located behind it. It is "...crafted of ivory fine china, painted by hand, accented with 24 karat gold..." according to the certificate. I received this last week so dates to 2007. This was advertised in a Sunday circular in the newspaper about a month ago. This can also be purchased, along with quite a few other frog items, from www.lenox.com.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Friday Dog Blogging


Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
It's been a strange week for the weather, but the Frog Wrangler has taken it all in. She loves the snow and earlier this week there was a bit on the ground. Of course a lot of sniffing made quite a bit of it land on her nose! The weather has grown quite a bit warmer during the day and the Wrangler wants to go out frequently to check it all out. The last couple days she hasn't been feeling quite herself - spending time really close or wanting to climb into my lap and worries when she can't see me. Let's hope she's feeling better tomorrow.

Frog of the Day

So I'm beginning to wonder if I should start looking into nursing homes! Yesterday I started making breakfast - putting the bacon in the pan, mixing up the pancakes, turning the bacon, making some hot chocolate, turning the bacon, getting the plate, butter, syrup ready to go. And as I was again turning the bacon I thought gee, it really isn't cooking very fast. It was at that time I realized that I had not turned on the burner. Now what makes this so bad is that I actually turned the bacon a couple of times before I realized it! Today I made French Toast.........

This frog item is a birthday card from Expressions by Hallmark and is entitled A Birthday Fable. The fable goes as such: Two men your age were walking when they saw a frog. "Kiss Me," said the frog, "and I will turn into a beautiful princess, and I will do anything you want!" One of the men picked up the frog and put her in his pocket. "Didn't you hear what she said?" cried the other. "She'll turn into a beautiful princess and do anything you want!! Go ahead! Kiss her!!" "Naaa" said the first man......"At my age, I'd rather have a talking frog."

Cute, eh? I received this from a friend in 1999.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Frog of the Day


Frog Pot Hanger
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
I'm beginning to lose faith in the show Lost. They said three of the biggest questions were going to be answered last night - must be my three questions are different from everyone else. The Frog Wrangler and I were up bright and early at 6 o'clock this morning but when she went back to bed I thought that was a spendid idea, so now it's a late start to the morning. We're going to get out and enjoy this 50 plus degree weather today because it's supposed to change again come this weekend.

This frog item is a ceramic frog pot hanger. It does have a copyright stamp on the inside on it's tummy but I cannot make it out for sure, but I believe it says "Selzi." It is dated to 1997.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Frog of the Day


Frog Sun Catcher
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
A good morning this morning - my headache has let up. I never get headaches and I've had one for the last 3 or 4 days. Too much watching the news for sure. The weather is warming up nicely and this morning I heard the cardinals calling to one another. I look forward to watching them play in the hibiscus hedge and I'm hoping that there will be a couple more of them this year after seeing little baby ones last year.

This frog item is a frog sun catcher that was made for me. I love these little items that people make and send along. I do not have a date for this item.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Frog of the Day


Hans - Frog Chalkboard
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The weather has warmed up nicely and all traces of the snow are gone. We're supposed to hit the high 50's today. Crazy weather, but I'm glad it's heading in the right direction! Nothing exciting planned for the day - I guess the Frog Wrangler and I will just go with the flow today.

This frog item is a child's chalkboard from Hans. It comes with a couple pieces of chalk and small eraser. It dates to 1990. A cute little item.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Frog of the Day


Sprogz - Millennium Hopper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The start of another week. Things are supposed to warm up today, thank goodness! We're looking for a high of 54 degrees. I let the Frog Wrangler play out in the snow all she wanted this morning because this afternoon it will be gone. It'll be back to mucking around in the mud! Well I didn't make Mardi Gras this year (not like I was trying, or anything) so I let this Sprogz go in my place. Looks like he had a lot of fun.......

This frog collectible is from Holland Studio and is part of their Sprogz line. This is called Millennium Hopper and is number SG0400. It dates to 1999.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Frog of the Day

The Frog Wrangler and I are in the midst of hibernation! Another cold morning - mid-teens with a wind chill around zero. It was a good morning for pancakes, sausage, and a hot cup of cocoa. Things outside are way to icy, so I didn't make the spaghetti lunch yesterday. It was a fund raiser for the very first student from this area to be accepted into the Student Ambassador Program. The town is coming together to fund his trip - he'll spend the summer in Alaska among the native tribes there.

This frog collectible is from Dennis East and is a ceramic Bullfrog, sized medium. It is style number 41902. I received this on Valentine's Day from my mom - Thanks Mom! So it dates to 2007. It states on the packaging that it can be used as an outside garden decor - but my frogs hand out inside.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Frog of the Day


Fanciful Frogs - Frog Magnet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
I'm running late this morning - what with the New Year starting and it being the year of the pig, I was going overtime frying up bacon and sausage. Just kidding. With the accumulation of a couple more inches of snow I decided I wouldn't be going anywhere today and so went back to bed and slept in. The Frog Wrangler was in full agreement with that decision. I was really looking forward to going to a spaghetti lunch today too.

This frog collectible is from my favorite company - Westland Giftware. It is part of their recent Fanciful Frogs line and is a magnet and comes with a card. The card says:
"To My Special Friend
This happy little frog
is hopping your way
to bring you sunshine, smiles,
and some fun to your day.
Thanks for all the happiness."
This frog dates to 2006. Much of the Fanciful Frogs line has been retired, but pieces are still readily found on the internet. However, from experience, they won't be available for long.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Friday Dog Blogging


Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The Frog Wrangler is having a great week. Lots of cold weather and a bit of snow. They're calling for more snow tonight and all day tomorrow so she'll be really happy. She got a reprieve this week from a visit to the vet's office. I had to cancel the appointment after we got snow and ice. I just won't drive in that kind of weather and the Wrangler refuses to pull me on a sleigh. LOL So I received a box in the mail today that, among other things, were a couple boxes of chocolate covered cherries (my favorite). Try as hard as she might, I wouldn't relent and give her one - even when she offered to trade some of her biscuit.

Frog of the Day


Lipco - Frog Guitar Player
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The temperature sure dipped down last night - the screen door froze shut! This morning the Frog Wrangler barely hit the ground outside before she was doing a turnabout and coming back in. I watched Survivor last night - I would not survive on any of the islands, but most certainly not on the exile island with all those poisonous snakes. I'd rather just sit on a lilypad, strumming my guitar, oh wait, that's today's frog.....

This frog item is a ceramic piece from Lipco. He's playing his guitar and it has attracted the attention of a bee. He better watch out - he may be dinner! I do not have a date for this item.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Frog of the Day


Stone Critters - Mr. Bullfrog
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The computer lines are moving so slow today - they must be frozen. It gave me time to eat the last Hershey's chocolate mint stick. What is it with candy now going to the sticks. I bought some this last week because I had a coupon. Can I say, don't bother! You get six sticks that if you put all of them together wouldn't equal a fun size candy bar! Next time I'm getting one of those giant sized bars, which are also cheaper.

This frog collectible is from United Design and is part of their Stone Critters line. It is titled Mr. Bullfrog and is style number SC-903. I found the copyright stamp on the back but there is no date, so I don't have a date for this item.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Frog of the Day


Dandee - Frog Plush
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Happy Valentine's Day! Here at Frog Central the Frog Wrangler and I are going to enjoy a cozy day inside. First it started to rain, then ice, and just for good measure snow. Add to that extremely strong wind and electricity was spotty most of the night. So today I'll be going around resetting all the clocks. I'm glad I went shopping on Sunday because they're asking everyone to stay off the roads. And from the looks of the news and all the accidents, I'll be happy to stay in.

This frog plush is from Dandee and is one of their Plush Pals. It is a musical plush that plays Rescue Me. It is style number 858419. I do not have a date for this item.

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Frog of the Day

We didn't get the ice last night, the temp stayed just above freezing. But we did get a lot of rain. The temp is falling today though and the rain has stopped, soon to be replaced with snow. Although the original 6 inches forcasted is now down to less than an inch. Let's hope! Tomorrow is Valentine's Day - hope everyone has bought their cards and candy.

This frog item is from Carson-Dellosa and is from their Novel Notes collection. This is 50 sheets of their Frog design, style number CD-9210. A great item that's made in the USA. I do not have a date for this item.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Frog of the Day


Sprogz - Chopper Hopper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
Oh my aching back! Oh my aching knees! Oh my..... well you get the idea. It took everything in me to haul myself out of bed today. I almost broke down and took a pain pill. The weather is definately changing and every joint is screaming in protest. We did not get the ice storm overnight, but warnings are still in effect from this evening through tomorrow evening, so things have just shifted forward 24 hours. I made it to the grocery store last evening. Two hours of shopping, and I'm well stocked up in case it does storm. And I saved 13 bucks with my coupons. Time to get this day rolling along......

This frog collectible is another in the Sprogz line from Holland Studio. This is called Chopper Hopper and is number 0900. This is a very large piece - a full 7 inches long. The sticker on the front of the box says 1998, but I'm not exactly sure that is the year it was made.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Frog of the Day


Sprogz - Internet Hopper
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
A lazy Sunday morning - just finished reading the paper and cutting out coupons. I should run to the grocery store today at some point - they are calling for an ice storm and then about 6 inches of snow. The Frog Wrangler will be so happy! She'll never want to come back inside. I came across a number of Sprogz that I had not previously listed - the joy of still going through boxes a year and a half after moving! Since there are so few of them I decided to put them in the Frog of the Day rotation rather than reviving the Afternoon with Sprogz. Enjoy!

This frog collectible is from Holland Studio and is part of the Sprogz line. This piece is called Internet Hopper and is number SG088. It dates to 1998. Holland Studio no longer makes Sprogz and they are getting a bit harder to find. As most of you know who have been with me from the beginning I have a full set except for the three music boxes and a display stand.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Frog of the Day

This morning I heard the mourning doves outside calling back and forth. I know they don't migrate south for the winter, but this is the first I heard them since last year. The local paper had a front page picture of them pearched in a row on the power lines, talking about them keeping warm during this cold snap. I woke up this morning feeling rotten, so I think I may go back to bed and listen to NPR. The Frog Wrangler has already beaten me there - I bet the bed will be all messed up......

This frog collectible is a little pot with a frog on the side. This comes from Bali, Indonesia. They have a thriving pottery business there in a small village that basically employs the entire population. These are readily available - I received this one about 5 years ago (2001).

Friday, February 09, 2007

Friday Dog Blogging


Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The Frog Wrangler is definately feeling better. I made the bed first thing this morning and went about my day as usual. I went looking for her to take a picture for her Friday appearance - only to find her on the bed. I just wonder how long it took her to get the covers and top sheet all piled up like that. Ah well, I'll remake it later - when I'm getting ready to hop in! She's probably all happy because I forgot to call the vet this week so she could go her yearly shots - she won't be so lucky come Monday......

Frog of the Day

The weather is getting a bit tedious, isn't it? Last night I watched the new Survivor, it looks to be an interesting season. Later this month the new Amazing Race starts - that's my favorite reality show. I spent yesterday afternoon writing congresspeople on behalf of NPR and PBS. The latest budget submitted by the president cut funding for these institutions. While I listen to NPR all the time, could you imagine no Sesame Street? Please sign some of the on-line petitions and write your congresspeople.

This frog collectible is from Pacific Rim and is Kiss Me Frog Prince. This plush is handmade in China. He stands 19 inches tall. Adorned with his royal robe and crown, he holds his heart in his hands that has a big kiss me written across it. It is a shelf sitter. I do not have a date for this item.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Frog of the Day

It's another cold day, but thankfully no snow. I couldn't imagine the near 100 inches of snow that they're having in upstate New York. I watched Lost last night and tonight Survivor returns. This morning was a tough morning getting up - my back was giving me shouts to remind me it was there. The Frog Wrangler gets me motivated and moving - especially when she has to go out!!

This frog collectible is from Boyds Bears & Friends' The Wee Folkstone Collection's Ribbit & Co. It is called Frogmorton and Tad... Fly Fishing. It is style number 27402. All the pieces are numbered. This is edition 1E and is number 3090. All Boyds pieces have a bears paw print on them along with their copyright symbol and date. On this piece it is located on the right side of the frame and dates to 1998. The detail is always amazing on these pieces. The book that Tad is reading is entitled Fly Fishing 101. The picture frame is of them on their fishing trip which can be replaced with a personal picture, but I like this one best.
From the box:

Working hard at relaxation... this fine Fly-Casting Duo is contemplating the next catch and the latest fish story, while practicing their belief that a bad day of fishin' is better than a good day at work. Everyone should spend a little quality time down by the old mill stream. Of course, Frogmorton & Tad are luckier than most of us... if they don't catch anything, the bait becomes supper!! Yuck!!

Favorite Quote: "It was always the biggest fish I caught that got away." -Eugene Field

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Frog of the Day

I finally got my prescriptions yesterday! I like my trip once a month to CVS because on the way out I always stop by and pick up a roll of Necco wafers. I wish they carried the rolls of all chocolate ones. On the way home I stopped by DQ. Their blizzard of the month is hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries. It was delicious although kind of weird to order a frozen treat when the temperature's below zero! This morning's temp was 4 below but we're supposed to get up to the mid-20's by this afternoon. I had a lot of fun this morning trying to get a pick of today's frog. It's wrapped in plastic, which always creates a lot of fun with the flash.

This frog item is from Alda's Forever Soap and is a Frog Musician Soap Set. The design is supposed to last through the life of the soap. Each bar is 3 ounces, they are French milled. It is style number MS13653. I do not have a date for this item, but a review of the Alda's Forever website shows that this design is no longer available.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Frog of the Day

I was glad to hear that one of the whooping crane babies survived the Florida tornadoes. They are such an endangered species that every one is precious. It's another very cold day here at Frog Central and all I want to do is just hibernate. Thank goodness I went grocey shopping last week. I can stay all wrapped up with my blanket. And the Frog Wrangler is a great heat factory who loves to jump in my lap - keeping me nice and warm.

This frog collectible is from Hagen-Renaker and is called Tuba Player. It is part of a frog band series. It is style number 03252. I do not have a date for this item. These little porcelain figures are highly collectible.

Monday, February 05, 2007

Frog of the Day

It's warmed up today according to the news to a balmy 2 below! I was talking last night with a friend who lives in the Cleveland, Ohio area and the newscast was a reading of school closings - they had over 500. At that point, doesn't it become easier to tell people which ones are open? The Frog Wrangler and I went back to bed this morning after she went out. She crawled right under the covers with me to warm up. I have a couple errands that need to be done, but I think I'll hold off for a day or two to see if things warm up a bit.

This frog item is a set of rubber stamps from All Night Media. The stamps include the White's Tree Frog, Argentine Horned Frog, Leopard Frog, Asian Flying Frog, Red-Eyed Tree Frog, Poison Dart Frogs, Golden Mantella, and tadpoles. There is one stamp that is lilypads. The style number on the box is 7020K. I do not have a date for this item.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Frog of the Day


Avon - Frog Hand Puppet
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The weather has made another dip downwards. The weatherman says the windchill is running about 25 below zero! The poor Frog Wrangler was tinkling icecicles this morning. All kinds of warnings are out about people being sure they have all exposed skin covered. And I know I've said this before, but bring your animals inside! I'm running late this morning because I woke up this morning with my knee swollen to about the size of a basketball - the joys of arthritis.

This frog item is from Avon and is a bath mitt puppet for kids. The tag on the inside dates it to 1998. Made of soft cloth. A cute item in the collection.

Saturday, February 03, 2007

Frog of the Day


Frog Note Paper and Holder
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
It's a bit colder here at Frog Central today - I got the heating bill yesterday and so the thermostat went down a couple degrees. Besides, that ground hog Phil didn't see his shadow, so it's an early spring! Well, in this early sping weather of about 2 degrees I have to go run some errands this morning, so here's today's frog.....

This frog item is a frog note paper and holder. It has a magnet on the back so that it can be stuck to the refrigerator. The design is by Dan Gilbert. This matches the desk set that was already put up here. I do not have a date for this item.

Friday, February 02, 2007

Friday Dog Blogging


Shadow
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The Frog Wrangler is feeling better every day. She's run around with her toys for a while but I'd been wary of playing catch for fear she would hurt herself chasing them. But this week a couple small throws and she did pretty good. The Wrangler has been so happy with the snow we've gotten and so today I thought I'd take a couple shots of her playing in the snow, but when we went out it was all gone. She looked out, then back at me, as if to say "Where'd it all go?" So here she is checking out part of the front yard, keeping an eye on all the cars. Like all good doggies, she's out on her 30 foot retractable leash. She's been obsessed with that bush for a while now - apparently a little boy dog came along and marked it and she has done her best to crawl on top of it to tinkle to cover over the scent with her own. After her foray outside she's back in for an afternoon nap. Hey, that's a good idea......

Frog of the Day

Well yesterday was a lot of fun. I spent the morning screaming at the people who service my prescription plan. Then I had to go to the pharmacy to get my blood pressure medication before the top of my head blew off. I decided to swing by the grocery store and get some corned beef, Swiss cheese, and the other ingredients to make reuben sandwiches. My favorite sandwich and it was very delicious.

This frog collectible is from Brookside Products and is a Kermit Shoelace Muncher set. This dates to 1988. A fun Kermit collectible.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Frog of the Day


Sandylion - Frog Stickers
Originally uploaded by KenCalvino.
The Frog Wrangler was so happy this morning - a fresh coat of snow fell overnight. She had fun playing for about 15 minutes and only reluctantly came back inside. I barely slept last night. I haven't had my blood pressure medication for two days now and I felt it last night. Well, the problems with the wonderful Medicare Part D have to be straightened out today. Of course talking to them sends my blood pressure right through the roof. I can't stand it when people can't think for themselves - if there computer doesn't tell them what to do and think they can't understand. It makes you wonder how they know how to wipe their...... OK here's today's frog.

This frog collectible is from Sandlylion and is a sheet of frog stickers. The parent company is Kromekote. The style number is 456723 and dates to 1990. If you want to see more stickers from this company, you can go to www.sandylion.com.

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